N-Acetylcysteine Use in Non-Acetaminophen-Induced Acute Liver Failure. (July 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: McPheeters, Chelsey M.; VanArsdale, Vanessa M.; Weant, Kyle A.
• Other Names: Weant Kyle A. section editor.
• Is Part Of: Advanced emergency nursing journal. Volume 38:Number 3(2016)
• Publication Date: 2016-07
• Subjects: acute liver failure -- liver failure -- N-acetylcysteine -- non-acetaminophen; Emergency nursing -- Periodicals; Emergency medicine -- Periodicals; 616.02505
• DOI: 10.1097/TME.0000000000000116
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1931-4485

Abstract

Abstract : This article will review the available evidence related to the management of non-acetaminophen induced acute liver failure with N -acetylcysteine. Randomized controlled trials and a meta-analysis were included in this review. The efficacy of N -acetylcysteine in the treatment of acute liver failure from causes other than acetaminophen toxicity was evaluated. The efficacy of N -acetylcysteine in non-acetaminophen-induced acute liver failure is limited to specific patient populations. Patients classified as Coma Grade I or II are more likely to benefit from the use of this agent. The use of N -acetylcysteine is associated with improved transplant-free survival, not overall survival, in adults. N -Acetylcysteine does not improve the overall survival of patients with non-acetaminophen-induced acute liver failure but may be beneficial in those patients with Coma Grades I–II. Liver transplantation remains the only definitive therapy in advanced disease.